HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2815.12 – Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda); in aqueous solution (soda lye or liquid soda)
HS code 2815.12 is the 6-digit subheading for sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), in aqueous solution (soda lye or liquid soda). It is used for soda lye, liquid caustic soda, aqueous NaOH, sodium hydroxide solution and caustic soda liquid.
What HS 2815.12 covers
Sodium hydroxide in aqueous solution, often referred to as soda lye or liquid soda, is a highly corrosive and strong alkaline chemical traded as a solution of varying concentrations in water. This form is widely used across numerous industries due to its ease of handling compared to solid forms, especially in large-scale operations. Key applications include pH regulation, chemical processing, water treatment, and as a cleaning agent in industrial settings. It is also essential in the production of pulp and paper, textiles, and various organic and inorganic chemicals. Major importers and exporters are typically large chemical manufacturers, water treatment facilities, and industrial cleaning suppliers. As a dangerous good, its international trade requires specialized tankers and strict compliance with safety regulations for corrosive liquids, including proper labeling and containment to prevent spills and ensure safe transport.
- Covers
- Soda lye
- Liquid caustic soda
- Aqueous NaOH
- Sodium hydroxide solution
- Caustic soda liquid
- Industrial alkali solution
- Examples
- Dow Caustic Soda Solution
- Olin Liquid Caustic Soda
- BASF Sodium Hydroxide Solution
- Solvay Soda Lye
Codes often confused with 2815.12
Common mistake. This code specifically covers sodium hydroxide in aqueous solution, differentiating it from the solid form (2815.11) due to its liquid state and associated handling and application differences.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 281512, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 281512 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Australia, with 18% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $1.4B 27% of world exports
- 2 China $1.1B 21% of world exports
- 3 Japan $377M 7.2% of world exports
World total: $5.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Australia $1.2B 18% of world imports
- 2 Brazil $826M 13% of world imports
- 3 Indonesia $722M 11% of world imports
World total: $6.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 2815.12
Brazil does not split HS 2815.12: its NCM code is 2815.12.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 28.15 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2815.12
What is HS code 281512?
HS code 281512 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda); in aqueous solution (soda lye or liquid soda). Sodium hydroxide in aqueous solution, often referred to as soda lye or liquid soda, is a highly corrosive and strong alkaline chemical traded as a solution of varying concentrations in water. This form is widely used across numerous industries due to its ease of handling compared to solid forms, especially in large-scale operations. Key applications include pH regulation, chemical processing, water treatment, and as a cleaning agent in industrial settings. It is also essential in the production of pulp and paper, textiles, and various organic and inorganic chemicals. Major importers and exporters are typically large chemical manufacturers, water treatment facilities, and industrial cleaning suppliers. As a dangerous good, its international trade requires specialized tankers and strict compliance with safety regulations for corrosive liquids, including proper labeling and containment to prevent spills and ensure safe transport.
What products fall under HS code 281512?
Soda lye, Liquid caustic soda, Aqueous NaOH, Sodium hydroxide solution, Caustic soda liquid, Industrial alkali solution
What are common misclassifications for HS code 281512?
This code specifically covers sodium hydroxide in aqueous solution, differentiating it from the solid form (2815.11) due to its liquid state and associated handling and application differences.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 281512?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 281512 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.4B, 27% of world exports), China ($1.1B) and Japan ($377M). World exports came to about $5.2B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 281512?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 281512 in UN Comtrade data were Australia ($1.2B, 18% of world imports), Brazil ($826M) and Indonesia ($722M). World imports came to about $6.6B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 281512 structured?
HS code 281512 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (15) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (12) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 281512?
In Brazil, HS code 281512 is NCM 2815.12.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.